Shipping container and method of using same

ABSTRACT

A shipping container for detecting conditions of the container from a remote location, or sensing the condition of other shipping containers within the vicinity of the shipping container, is disclosed. The shipping container may include an onboard microserver communicating with a plurality of sensors within the container. The microserver may serve as an Internet node enabling sensed conditions within the container to be communicated to remote computing devices by way of the Internet. The shipping container also may include anti-tampering equipment such as a conductive grid such that any tampering with the container will necessarily effect an electrical parameter of the grid with the change in the electrical parameter then being detected and causing an alarm or other corrective measure to be taken.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a non-provisional patent application claiming thepriority benefits under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/319,868, filed on Jan. 14, 2003, and U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/320,004, filed on Mar. 12,2003, and is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.60/337,926, filed on Dec. 3, 2001 and U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/155,593, filed on May 22, 2002, all of which are herein incorporatedby reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure generally relates to shipping containers and, morespecifically, relates to shipping containers having onboard electronics.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

In the transportation industry, significant costs are incurred whencargo or containers carrying the cargo are damaged, stolen, tamperedwith, or otherwise detrimentally altered. With the shipping of expensiveequipment such as aircraft engines and/or perishable goods such as food,the loss of the cargo of only a single container could result insignificant monetary losses. Such losses could result from a failedrefrigeration unit, theft, tampering, accidents, and the like. However,depending on the location of the shipping container at the time, it maybe many hours or days before the damage is detected. For example, thecontainer may be one of hundreds on board a cargo ship or freight train.As such vehicles are often out to sea or en route for days at a time,the condition of the cargo may go for long periods of time withoutinspection. By the time the cargo reaches its destination, it may be toolate to save the cargo or effectively investigate the mishap.

In the aforementioned applications, various global wireless mobile assettracking approaches using a wireless architectural approaches aredisclosed. Briefly, the approaches use an onboard, distributed computingapproach with wireless links to the Internet to provide remote two-wayinteraction from anywhere on the globe. The approaches center around anonboard Internet microserver (e.g., a low cost, palm-sized LINUX-basedwork station plugged into the product data bus, formatted as a webserverhaving multiple means to wirelessly connect to the Internet) and anInternet portal. Such a low cost hardware architectural approach turnseach mobile, globally deployed product into a fully functional node onthe Internet. The approach can be designed into new OEM equipment orretrofitted onto legacy products. Such microserver approaches greatlyleverage existing cell, satellite and wired Internet communicationsinfrastructure to link any user and any mobile asset anywhere, anytime.Binding people and assets together is a powerful, user friendly, easilyadaptable Internet portal. The portal can be subdivided intocompartmentalized communities to provide secure, need-to-know access tofinished information “products”, and tools relating to each asset allvia the Internet.

In the context of shipping containers, it would be advantageous if asystem were to be provided to enable remote monitoring of the containerswith respect to tampering and theft. If such a system were to beprovided, the microserver, by way of the Internet, could immediatelyapprise remote locations to either actuate an alarm of some sort, or atleast apprise the carrier of the container of the ongoing intrusion sothat corrective measures can be taken.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, a shipping container isdisclosed which comprises an enclosure for receiving at least oneproduct, a sensor on the enclosure capable of detecting a condition, aserver on the enclosure communicating with the sensor, and means forenabling communications between the server and a remote location.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, method ofmonitoring a shipping container is disclosed which comprises the stepsof providing a shipping container having an enclosure, a sensor, aserver, and means for enabling communication between the server and aremote location, detecting a condition by way of the sensor, andcommunicating between the server and the remote location in response tothe condition being detected. The condition may be detected duringtransit between an origin and destination or at the destinationwhereupon the condition can then be analyzed to determine if it is anunacceptable condition.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a method offacilitating shipment of a container from an origin to a destination isdisclosed which comprises the steps of providing a shipping container,supplying a server on the container with information related to at leastone product within the container, communicating between the server andthe remote location in response to the information, and determining inresponse to the information how to handle the shipping container. Thecommunicating step can be performed either during transit between theorigin and the destination or at the destination.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a shippingcontainer for detecting conditions of other shipping containers isdisclosed which comprises an enclosure, a sensor on the enclosure fordetecting conditions of other shipping containers, a server on theenclosure communicating with the sensor, and means for enablingcommunication between the server and a remote location.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a shippingcontainer is disclosed which may comprise an enclosure for receiving atleast one product, a conductive grid operatively associated with theenclosure, a power source connected to the conductive grid and adaptedto energize the conductive grid, a sensor on the enclosure adapted tomonitor conditions associated with the conductive grid, and a server onthe enclosure adapted to communicate with the sensor and a locationremote from the enclosure.

In accordance with a still further aspect of the disclosure, a method ofmonitoring a shipping container is disclosed which comprises the stepsof energizing a conductive grid provided within an enclosure, sensing acondition associated with the conductive grid, communicating the sensedcondition to a server associated with the enclosure, and wirelesslytransmitting the sensed condition from the server to a remote location.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the disclosure, a system fordetecting an intrusion into a shipping container is disclosed whichcomprises, an enclosure adapted to receive at least one product, aconductive grid operatively associated with enclosure, a power sourceconnected to the conductive grid and adapted to energize the conductivegrid, a sensor on the enclosure adapted to monitor a conditionassociated with the conductive grid, a server on the enclosure adaptedto communicate with the sensor and generate a wireless system about theenclosure, and a remote computing device adapted to wirelesslycommunicate with the server by way of the Internet.

These and other aspects of the disclosure will become more readilyapparent upon reading the following detailed description when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, with partial cutaway, of one embodiment ofa shipping container constructed in accordance with the teachings of thedisclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a monitoring systemused on the shipping container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of a network ofdevices, including several of the shipping containers of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an interior of ashipping container constructed in accordance with the teachings of thedisclosure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a plurality of shipping containersconstructed in accordance with one embodiment of the teachings of thedisclosure as loaded on to a carrier in communication with the Internet;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an interior of an alternative embodimentof a shipping container constructed in accordance with the teachings ofthe disclosure; and

FIG. 7 is a flowchart depicting a sample series of steps which may beperformed in accordance with one embodiment of the teachings of thedisclosure.

While the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications andalternative constructions, certain illustrative embodiments thereof havebeen shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. Itshould be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit thepresent disclosure to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrarythe intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions,and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

FIG. 1 displays one embodiment of a shipping container 11 constructed inaccordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. Whilepreferably a container for a gas turbine engine 12, the shippingcontainer could receive any type of product or any number of products.In fact, the term “shipping container” could refer to any cargocontainer including, but not limited to, a railroad box car, machine,maritime container, or over-the-road trailer.

The shipping container 11 includes a monitoring system 13. Althoughshown as located in the interior, the system 13 could locate at anysuitable location on the container 11. FIG. 2 provides a detailed viewof the system 13.

The system 13 includes a server 15. The server 15 may monitor theconditions in or near the shipping container 11 and/or gather data aboutthe products within the container 11. To assist such tasks, the server15 may interact with one or more sensors. As shown in FIG. 2, examplesof suitable sensors include a camera 17 (video or still), environmentalsensors (e.g., temperature, humidity), chemical sensors, radiologicalsensors, location sensors (e.g., GPS), accelerometers, smoke detectors,and sensors to detect tampering with the container 11 (e.g., a contactswitch 19, to indicate when the container 11 is opened, motiondetectors, etc.). The sensors could be hard wired to the server 15,removably connected to the server 15 (e.g. through a USB port) orwirelessly connected to the server.

The server may be programmed in any suitable language to monitor thesensors and/or gather data about the products within the container 11.For example, the server 15 may be used to host a web page that providesinformation related to the container 11 or the products therein. Theserver 15 could have the information organized thereon in any suitableformat or manner. The server 15 could also include programming to allowdiagnostic routines and to allow software updates/upgrades.

Although preferably used by individuals at locations remote from thecontainer 11, the server 15 also allows local individuals to interacttherewith through direct connection with a communications port 21 usingany desired device (such as a laptop). Alternatively, the localindividual could use a wireless device (such as a personal digitalassistant (PDA) or personal computer (PC) tablet to interact with theserver 15 indirectly with radio frequency (RF) communications or opticallinks.

The server 15 could be any known computer or processing unit.Preferably, however, the server 15 is a hand-held microserver using aLinux-based operating system. Further, the server 15 may have its ownweb address, firewall, and security protocols.

The server 15 preferably includes a device such as an antenna 23 toenable communication between the server and the Internet or world wideweb. The antenna 23 could allow cellular, satellite, or wirelesscommunications between the server 15 and the Internet. This allows theserver 15 to communicate periodically with the Internet regarding theinformation obtained from the sensors. This also allows access to theserver 15 through the Internet using various devices such as a PCworkstation 25, wireless device 27, or network 29, as shown best in FIG.3.

Alternatively, the present disclosure could allow the use of a portal(not shown) to allow access to the server 15 or certain informationthereon. An external server would preferably host the portal. Theexternal server could be any suitable type of server with appropriatecommunications gear to allow access to and by the server 15.

Although each server 15 preferably communicates separately with theInternet, adjacent servers 15 (such as those being transported by acargo ship) could create a wireless local area network (LAN). Thisallows the servers 15 to route communications through one server 15, ifdesired. Alternatively, the servers 15 could utilize other availableoutlets, such as the satellite gear of the cargo ship transporting thecontainers 11, to communicate with the Internet.

A discussion of one possible use of the present invention follows.During the loading of a gas turbine engine 12 in the shipping container11, the server 15 receives information related to the engine 12. Thisinformation could include, for example, the bill of material, customername, destination and shipping paperwork. Such information may bereceived wirelessly as through the use of radio frequency identificationattached to, or embedded in the cargo. Movement of the RFID tag within ascanning zone of an associated sensor will cause the sensor to retrievethe product information. Other wireless devices such as bar codereaders, PDAs, PC tablets and laptops are also possible. Depending onthe type of information to retrieve, such information can be received bythe server 15 by way of sensors such as the aforementioned cameras,temperature sensors, humidity sensors, chemical sensors, radiologysensors, location sensors, accelerometers, smoke detectors, and tamperevidence sensors, all of which can either be wired, or wirelesslyconnected to the server 15. The server 15 may receive the informationusing known file transfer protocols over a TCP/IP (transmission controlprotocol over Internet protocol) network. Other protocols include, butare not limited to, HTTP, FTP, SMTP, UDP, ECHO, SSH, TELNET, NAMESERVER,BOOT PS, BOOT PC, TFTP, KERBEROS, POP3, NNTP, IMAP, SNMP, BGP, IMAP3,LDAP, and HTTPS.

During transit of the container 11 from the origin to the destination,the sensors could operate periodically to detect conditions. Forexample, the sensor could measure the temperature within the shippingcontainer 11. Although described as being at the initiation of theserver 15 (i.e. the server 15 acts as the client in a client/serverrelationship), the present invention also allows an individual at aremote location to command the server 15 to measure a condition with thesensor (i.e. the server 15 acts as the server in a client/serverrelationship). For example, the individual could turn on the camera 17to view the interior of the shipping container 11 at any time.

At the initiation of the server 15 (e.g., periodically or upon reachingthe destination) or of an individual from a remote location, the server15 provides any information obtained by the sensor to the Internet.Individuals located near the container 11 could obtain such informationdirectly from the server 15 (rather than the Internet) using thecommunications port 21 or wireless access (e.g., antenna 23).

Regardless of the manner obtained, the shipper can review theinformation provided by the server 15 to determine how to handle theshipping container 11. As an example, the shipper could subject anengine to a detailed inspection if the information indicated thepresence of an unsuitable condition (e.g., excessive humidity) in thecontainer 11. Likewise, the shipper could subject the engine to arudimentary visual inspection if the information did not indicate anyunsuitable conditions.

A discussion of another possible use of the present disclosure follows.This time, the shipping container 11 can contain any type or quantity ofproduct. At the origin, the server 15 receives information related tothe products within the container. This information could include, forexample, the bill of lading, customs paperwork and other shippingdocuments. Such information may be received wirelessly as though the useof radio frequency identification attached to, or embedded in the cargo.Movement of the RFID tag within a scanning zone of an associated sensorwill cause the sensor to retrieve the product information. Otherwireless sensors such as bar code readers are also possible. Dependingon the type of information to retrieve, such information can be receivedby the server 15 by way of sensors such as the aforementioned cameras,temperature sensors, humidity sensors, chemical sensors, radiologysensors, location sensors, accelerometers, smoke detectors, and tamperevidence sensors, all of which can either be wired, or wirelesslyconnected to the server 15. The server 15 may receive the informationusing known file transfer protocols over a TCP/IP (transmission controlprotocol over Internet protocol) network. Other protocols include, butare not limited to, HTTP, FTP, SMTP, UDP, ECHO, SSH, TELNET, NAMESERVER,BOOT PS, BOOT PC, TFTP, KERBEROS, POP3, NNTP, IMAP, SNMP, BGP, IMAP3,LDAP, and HTTPS.

A designated individual, such as a customs employee, seals the container11 at the origin and arms the server 15. During transit, the sensorspreferably operate periodically to detect conditions. Alternatively, thesensor could be passive, only notifying the server 15 upon a givencondition. For example, the sensors could detect tampering with thecontainer 11 (e.g., open container door) or conditions with thecontainer 11 (e.g., movement). Although described as being at theinitiation of the server 15, the present disclosure also allows anindividual at a remote location to command the server 15 to measurethese conditions with the sensors. For example, the individual couldturn on the camera 17 to view the interior of the shipping container 11.

At the initiation of the server 15 (e.g., periodically or upon reachingthe destination) or of an individual from a remote location, the server15 provides any information obtained by the sensor to the Internet.Individuals located near the container 11 could obtain such informationdirectly from the server 15 (rather than the Internet) using thecommunications port 21 or wireless access (e.g., antenna 23).

Regardless of the manner obtained, the customs employee can review theinformation provided by the server 15 to determine how to handle theshipping container 11. As an example, the customs agent could subjectthe container 11 to a detailed inspection if the information indicatedthe presence of an unsuitable condition (e.g., tampering) with respectto the container 11. Likewise, the customs employee could allow thecontainer 11 to pass without inspection if the information did notindicate any unsuitable conditions. Furthermore, the customs employeecould determine the level of inspection based upon the type or quantityof products that the server 15 identifies as being contained within theshipping container 11. Such inspection, or testing, diagnostics, andlike can also be initiated from a remote location as the server 15, byway of the Internet is connected to the remote locations.

FIG. 4 displays another embodiment of a shipping container 50. Theshipping container 50 is a mobile asset that can receive any type ofproduct or any number of products. In fact, the term “shippingcontainer” could refer to any cargo container such as a railroad boxcar, maritime container or over-the-road trailer.

The shipping container 50 includes a monitoring system 52. Althoughshown in FIG. 4 as located in the interior, the system 52 could belocated at any suitable location on the container 50. The system 52includes a computer server 54. The server 54 could be any known computeror processing unit. Preferably, however, the server 54 is a hand-heldmicrosever using a Linux-based operating system. Further, the server 54may have its own web address, firewall and security protocols.

The server 54 may monitor the conditions in or near the shippingcontainer 50 and/or gather data about the products within or near thecontainer 50. To perform these tasks, the server 54 may interact withone or more sensors 56. Preferably, the sensors 56 utilize wirelessconnectivity to communicate with the server 54. However, the sensors 56could be hard wired or removably connected to the server 54. Examples ofsuitable sensors include cameras (video or still), environmental sensors(e.g., temperature, humidity), chemical sensors, radiological sensors,location sensors (e.g., GPS), accelerometers, smoke detectors, andsensors to detect tampering with the container 50 (e.g., contactswitches to indicate opening of the container 50, and motion detectors).

The value and origination of the products within the container 50 couldalso help determine the suite of sensors placed within the container.For example, a container of clothing may have a simple suite of sensorssuch as an electronic lock, a log of opening and closing of doors, and atemperature sensor. A container of perishable items could have a fullsuite of sensors providing electronic locks, a log of dooropening/closing, environmental conditions. The suite of sensors couldalso indicate the condition of the refrigeration unit 60. Other types ofcargo may demand various other specialized sensors (e.g., radiation).

The server 54 can communicate with the Internet or World Wide Web in twomodes. The first mode directly communicates with the Internet or WorldWide Web using cellular, satellite or wireless communications. The firstmode is preferably used when the container 50 is a discrete unit, suchas an over-the-road truck hauling a single container 50.

The second mode indirectly communicates with the Internet or Would WideWeb. The second mode is preferably used when the presence of more thantwo containers exist (for example the containers 50 on a transportvessel like the ship 62 in FIG. 5). The second mode is an automated,wireless, low power network that allows data relay/access betweencontainers (even the most inaccessible containers 50 on the ship 62). A“shepherd” microserver unit on one container 64 would then be the mastercoordinator unit for the “flock” of the remaining containers 50. Thecontainer 64 with the “shepherd” microsever would use the first mode ofcommunication described above, while containers 66 with the “flock”microservers need only have communications gear sufficient to reachadjacent containers. Each transport vessel would have at least oneshepherd unit 64 to coordinate with the remaining containers 66 and toprovide a more robust Internet access feed. Alternatively, the shepherdcontainer 64 could utilize existing communicating gear 68 on thetransport vessel 62 to communicate with the Internet or World Wide Web69 by way of satellite 70 or the like, as shown in FIG. 5. The shepherdcontainer could be only partially occupied by the necessary electronics,thus leaving the remainder available for storage, and camouflage of theelectronics.

This highly flexible approach allows the microserver-equipped container50, like a packet of data on the Internet, to have its own “awareness.”That allows the container 50 to know the “who what when where and why”of its contents and destination. More importantly, it can processonboard software with sensors that can then be remotely reported oraccessed individually, or leapfrogging encrypted information from unitto unit to the Internet and the appropriate portal location. Data suchas security breach, log of opening and closing the doors, bill oflading, owner, routing and destination can be accessed both locally orshipboard with a PDA, and remotely by linking these units wirelessly toa single point of communications for Internet access.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is the use of a surveillancecontainer 71. The container 71 is preferably shipped alongside ordinarycontainers 64, 66. The container 71 would include an array ofsophisticated sensors that could sense conditions on nearby containers64, 66. Preferably not carrying cargo, the container 71 could have apower supply (not shown) sufficient to power the sophisticated sensorsthroughout the journey. Alternatively, if a refrigerated container, suchunits often include their own power supply which can be used to powerthe surveillance electronics. The existing power supply of the cargoship or other transporting vehicle can also be used.

The container 71 could also assist the “flock” containers 64 communicatewith the “shepherd” container 641 by relaying the data (as described inthe second mode of communication above). That could allow the container71 to review the sensor data from the other containers 64, 66 foranomalies. Preferably, the presence of the container 71 is unknown tothe shipper. Ideally, the shipper believes the container 71 is a normalcontainer 64, 66.

Upon reaching the destination (or perhaps earlier), the surveillancecontainer 71 could notify relevant personnel of possible hazardous oranomalous conditions, or that the situation appears normal. Depending onthe notification from the container 71, customs personnel could place ahold on the containers 64, 66 (for hazardous/anomalous conditions) orgrant immediate release of the containers 64, 66 (for normalconditions).

The use of the microserver also has other benefits. The microserverallows better management of the supply chain, prevents loss or spoilageof products during shipment, possibly reduces insurance rates on thecontainer, assists with insurance claims/adjustments, etc. Themicroserver may also include an antenna or transmitted for use by a GPS(global positions satellite) or other location finder to enable theexact location of the container to be identified.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, a third embodiment of a shippingcontainer constructed in accordance with the teachings of the disclosureis generally referred to by reference numeral 100. As shown therein, thecontainer 100 includes an enclosure 102 having doors 104 adapted to openand close an opening 106 through which a product (not shown) can beloaded and unloaded from the enclosure 102. The doors 104 may beprovided with locks 108 to provide the enclosure 102 with securityprovisions.

As with the previously identified embodiments, the enclosure 102includes a microserver 110 in communication with a plurality of sensors112 provided within the enclosure 102. As above, the sensors 112 can beprovided to measure any type of parameter within the enclosureincluding, but not limited to, temperature, humidity, chemicalconcentrations, radiation, proximity, speed, acceleration, smoke, andthe like. In addition, one or more of the sensors 112 may be provided inthe form of a video camera (still or motion) to provide a remotelocation 114 with a video feed by way of the Internet 116 and acomputing device 118.

As will be readily understood by any one of ordinary skill in the art,the communication between the server 110 and the Internet 116 can beaccomplished wirelessly by way of a satellite, local area network,cellular network or the like. In addition, one of ordinary skill in theart will also understand that the computing device 118 can be providedin the form of any number of different devices including, but notlimited to desktop computers, laptop computers, wireless PC tablets,personal digital assistants, cellular phones, and the like. As with theaforementioned embodiments, the microserver 110 may host its own webpage and thereby server as a distinct node or web address on the worldwide web and the access through the Internet by way of any of thecomputing devices 118. In so doing, the user of the system can beanywhere in the world such as at a manufacturing facility, warehouse, adistribution center, or a residence and once accessing the web pagehosted by the microserver 110, be immediately provided with theinformation being sensed and communicated to the microserver 110.

A difference with respect to the previous described embodiments however,is the provision of an anti-tampering system 120 as shown in FIG. 6, thesystem 120 may include a conductive grid 122 connected to a power source124 and provided with an electrical parameter sensor 126. The conductivegrid 122 can be provided within the enclosure 102 in a number ofdifferent ways including, but not being limited to, being imbeddeddirectly within the enclosure walls 102, attached to an interior surface128 of the enclosure 102, or painted onto or otherwise adhered to theinterior surface 128. For example, while not depicted, the conductivegrid 122 can be provided within a floor 130 of the enclosure 102 bymachining grooves (not shown) into the floor 130 and then embedding theconductive grid 122 into the grooves. In the case of a wood floor 130,as is typical with such containers 100, the grooves can of course berouted or sawn into the wood with the conductive grid, i.e., wires, thenbeing embedded into the grooves. Similarly, with respect to walls 132they are typically manufactured from metal or insulative materials as inthe case of refrigerated enclosures 102, such that the conductive grid122 can be embedded therein.

Once the conductive grid 122 is so provided and energized by the powersource 124, i.e., by directing current therethrough, a number ofadvantageous features are provided. First, by directing current throughthe conductive grid 122, the conductive grid 122 forms a cage sometimesreferred to as a Faraday cage within the enclosure 102. Such a cagegreatly improves signal/noise ratio of the sensors 112 within theenclosure 102 by insulating the interior of the enclosure 102 fromextraneous radio frequency noise. When extraneous radio frequencysignals come into contact with the case, they are evenly distributedthroughout the conductive material of the grid 122 without reaching itsinterior space. The microserver 110 can then flood the interior of thecontainer 102, picking up signals reflected back by passive RFID sensorsprovided on the product without outside interference.

Secondly, from an intrusion detection perspective, if anyone were tointrude or otherwise tamper with the enclosure 102, electricalparameters of the conductive grid 122 will necessarily be affected whichcan be identified by the electrical parameter sensor 126 andcommunicated to the microserver 110. Once noticed, the microserver 110and/or the computing device 118 can actuate an alarm or otherwise notifypersonnel to take corrective actions. At the very least, a log of theevent can be created for historical tracking and identification of theintruder.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a sample flow chart depicting a possible set ofsteps which can be taken by the disclosure is identified. In theidentified example, the electrical parameter sensor 126 is a resistancesensor, or ohmmeter. By knowing the overall resistance of the conductivegrid 122 once energized, if someone were to interfere or tamper with theconductive grid 122, such as by cutting one of the conductors of thegrid, the overall resistance of the grid 122 will necessarily change.The change in resistance will be detected by the microserver 110 and/orthe computing device 118 whereupon the alarm 134 can be actuated. Inalternative embodiments, the electrical parameter can be current,voltage, and the like.

As a result, with respect to FIG. 7, it will be noted that a first stepwill be to energize to install the conductive grid 122 within theenclosure 102. This is identified by a step 136. Once installed, thepower source 124 is connected to the grid and thereby energizes the grid122 as indicated by a step 138. Once energized, the overall resistanceof the conductive grid 122 can be measured as indicated by a step 140 tothereby provide a baseline or desired level of resistance. After beingdeployed, the resistance of the conductive grid 122 can be periodicallysensed on any desired interval ranging from minutes to nanoseconds asindicated by a step 142, after which, desired and actual levels ofresistance are known. The two can then be compared as by the computingdevice 118 in a step 144, and if any difference, delta, is identified ina step 145, the alarm 134 can be actuated as indicated by a step 146 anda log of the event (step 148) can be created. Alternatively, if no deltaor change in resistance is detected as indicated by a step 150, thesystem or method can return to sensing the conductive grid resistancestep 142 to continue the process.

The present disclosure has been described in connection with thepreferred embodiments of the various figures. It is to be understoodthat other similar embodiments may be used or modifications andadditions may be made to the described embodiment for performing thesame function of the present disclosure without deviating therefrom.Therefore, the present invention should not be limited to any singleembodiment, but rather construed in breadth and scope in accordance withthe recitation of the appended claims.

1-56. (canceled)
 57. A shipping container, comprising: an enclosure forreceiving at least one product; a sensor on the enclosure capable ofdetecting a condition; a server on the enclosure communicating with thesensor, the server hosting a web page; and means for enablingcommunications between the server web page and a remote location by wayof the Internet.
 58. The shipping container of claim 57, wherein thesensor is an environmental sensor.
 59. The shipping container of claim57, wherein the sensor detects tampering with the enclosure.
 60. Theshipping container of claim 57, wherein the sensor is a location sensor.61. The shipping container of claim 57, wherein the sensor is a camera.62. The shipping container of claim 57, wherein the enclosure is a gasturbine engine enclosure.
 63. The shipping container of claim 57,further including a conductive grid operatively associated with aninterior surface of the enclosure and a grid sensor monitoring anelectrical parameter of the grid, the grid sensor communicativelycoupled to the server.
 64. The shipping container of claim 63, whereinthe grid sensor is resistance sensor.
 65. The shipping container ofclaim 57, wherein the sensor on the enclosure detects conditions ofother shipping containers.
 66. The shipping container of claim 65,wherein the sensor is selected from the group of sensors consisting ofvideo sensors, environmental sensors, chemical sensors, radiologicalsensors, location sensors, acceleration sensors, smoke sensors, andtampering sensors.
 67. The shipping container of claim 57, furtherincluding a conductive grid operatively associated with an interiorsurface of the enclosure and a sensor adapted to measure the electricalresistance of the grid, the sensor communicating with the server. 68.The shipping container of claim 57, further including: a conductive gridoperatively associated with the enclosure; a power source connected tothe conductive grid and adapted to energize the conductive grid, whereinthe sensor on the enclosure is adapted to monitor a condition associatedwith the conductive grid.
 69. The shipping container of claim 68,wherein the conductive grid is metallic mesh mounted on an interiorsurface of the enclosure.
 70. The shipping container of claim 68,wherein the conductive grid is embedded in an interior surface of theenclosure.
 71. The shipping container of claim 68, wherein theconductive grid is painted on an interior surface of the enclosure. 72.The shipping container of claim 68, wherein the conductive grid includesa first insulating layer, a metallic paint layer over the firstinsulating layer, and a second insulating layer over the metallic paintlayer.
 73. The shipping container of claim 68, further including arefrigeration unit.
 74. The shipping container of claim 68, wherein thesensor monitors electrical resistance within the grid.
 75. The shippingcontainer of claim 68, further including a second sensor within theenclosure and adapted to monitor a parameter associated with theproduct.
 76. The shipping container of claim 68, wherein the secondsensor communicates wirelessly with a radio-frequency identification tagassociated with the product.
 77. The shipping container of claim 68,further including: a remote computing device adapted to wirelesslycommunicate with the server by way of the Internet, and wherein theserver is further adapted to generate a wireless system about theenclosure.
 78. A method of monitoring a shipping container, comprisingthe steps of: providing a shipping container, said shipping containerincluding an enclosure for receiving at least one product, a sensor onthe enclosure, a server on the enclosure hosting a web page andcommunicating with the sensor, and means for enabling communicationsbetween the server and a remote location by way of the Internet;detecting a condition with the sensor during transit between an originand a destination; communicating between the server and the remotelocation in response to the condition, either during the transit or atthe destination; and determining whether the condition is anunacceptable condition.
 79. The method of claim 78, wherein saiddetecting step comprises detecting an environmental condition.
 80. Themethod of claim 78, wherein said detecting step detects tampering withthe enclosure.
 81. The method of claim 78, wherein the detecting stepdetects a location.
 82. The method of claim 78, wherein the sensor is acamera.
 83. The method of claim 78, wherein the container is a gasturbine engine container.
 84. The method of claim 78, wherein the serverinitiates said communicating step.
 85. The method of claim 78, whereinthe remote location initiates said communicating step.
 86. The method ofclaim 78, further comprising the steps of: supplying the server, beforetransit between an origin and a destination, with information related tothe at least one product; communicating between the server and theremote location, in response to the information, either during transitbetween the origin and the destination or at the destination; anddetermining, in response to the information, how to handle the shippingcontainer.
 87. The method of claim 86, wherein the sensor detects acondition during transit, the determining step determining how to handlethe shipping container in response to the information or the condition.88. The method of claim 86, wherein the server initiates thecommunication step.
 89. The method of claim 86, wherein the remotelocation initiates the communicating step.
 90. The method of claim 86,further including the steps of providing a conductive grid within theenclosure, monitoring an electrical parameter of the conductive grid,and actuating an alarm if the electrical parameter changes.
 91. Themethod of claim 86, wherein the electrical parameter is resistance. 92.The method of claim 90, further comprising: energizing a conductive gridprovided within an enclosure; sensing a condition associated with theconductive grid; communicating the sensed condition to the server; andtransmitting the sensed condition from the server to a remote location.93. The method of claim 92, wherein the sensing step monitors electricalresistance within the conductive grid.
 94. The method of claim 92,further including the step of attaching the conductive grid to an innersurface of the enclosure.
 95. The method of claim 92, further includingthe step of paining the conductive grid onto an inner surface of theenclosure.
 96. The method of claim 92, further including the step ofembedding the conductive grid in an inner surface of the enclosure. 97.The method of claim 92, wherein the communicating step is performedwirelessly.
 98. The method of claim 92, wherein the transmitting step isperformed wirelessly.
 99. The method of claim 92, further including thestep of detecting an intrusion into the enclosure when the sensedcondition changes.
 100. The method of claim 92, further including thestep of actuating an alarm when an intrusion is detected.